The Child Emperor

Chapter 116: The Ten-Year Agreement

Prince Donghai had only one purpose for this trip—to urge Han Ruzi to rebel as soon as possible. If persuasion failed, he was prepared to resort to force. However, to his surprise, Han Ruzi’s forces turned out to be even stronger than he had anticipated.

Turning to Lin Kunshan, Prince Donghai smiled and said, “If I ask you to leave, you wouldn’t feel humiliated, would you?”

Lin Kunshan smiled in response, bowed to the two brothers, and walked out of the room.

“This place is really run-down. I can’t believe you can tolerate it,” remarked Prince Donghai.

Han Ruzi returned to his “throne”—a shaky bench—and casually said, “I actually find it more comfortable than the imperial palace.”

“Hehe, of course. So, now that I’m here, what are you waiting for? Let’s do something great together.”

“No, we have too few people, and I’m not very familiar with the situation in the north of the Capital…”

“What do you need to know? Just ask me. In Huailing County in the north of the Capital, a militia of several hundred people has already gathered. They are skilled martial artists from the pugilist world, much stronger than the ragtag group here.”

“Who gathered them?”

“You’ve met him, the mad monk Guangding. He’s no ordinary person. Under the guise of being mad monk, he can freely move within and outside the Capital’s temples, passing on messages, hiding fugitives. No one is more adept than him. If I… well, when you become emperor, you must get rid of him.”

“He’s just a pugilist. Why would he get involved in such matters?”

“Maybe spending too much time in the temples has softened him, leading him to think he should save the common people. He’s like the fate seers, too clever for his own good.”

“So, he’s not working for the Cui clan?”

“Mad men work only for themselves, but truly intelligent people know how to use them.” Prince Donghai walked up to Han Ruzi. “We’ve had our conflicts, but that’s all in the past. After all, we are blood brothers, and you’ve married my cousin Xiaojun. So we are family no matter what.”

“Wouldn’t family avoid killing each other?”

“Haha.” Prince Donghai laughed, taking a seat on the other end of the bench. “Are you still worried about your safety?”

“More than when I have nothing in my hands.”

Prince Donghai’s expression turned serious. “To be honest, I want to be emperor. That’s the mission of my existence in this world. But I can wait.”

“How long?”

“Ten years.”

“Ten years?” Han Ruzi chuckled and shook his head.

Prince Donghai stood up and walked to the opposite side of Han Ruzi, speaking stiffly, “This is the most I can concede. The Cui clan will support you in reclaiming the throne. You make me the Crown Prince—there is precedent for this in the previous dynasties. After ten years, due to health reasons, you abdicate in my favor. It’s not considered stepping down; you can still enjoy the privileges of an emperor without dealing with the mess in the Chu empire. Spend your life peacefully with cousin Xiaojun. Your sons will be granted princely titles. How about it?”

“Are you serious?” Han Ruzi asked, showing some surprise.

“Of course, but I will only wait for ten years. If it takes longer, I’m afraid I won’t get the throne back.”

Han Ruzi pondered for a moment. “How can you guarantee my safety within and after ten years?”

“That’s why you need to appoint me as the Crown Prince. If I inherit the throne from you, I naturally won’t kill you. Moreover, you can have a guard of five hundred soldiers. Princes are only allowed two to three hundred guards, and they are not permitted to enter the Capital.” Prince Donghai paused for a moment and, seeing that Han Ruzi was still not swayed, added the final assurance, “Other than Xiaojun, other daughters of the Cui clan will marry you. That way, the Cui clan becomes your greatest safeguard.”

Han Ruzi widened his eyes in astonishment. After a moment, he said, “I remember one of Xiaojun’s sisters is already married.”

A hint of anger flashed in Prince Donghai’s eyes. “Exclude her. If it’s absolutely necessary, she can remarry. In any case, your safety is guaranteed.”

Han Ruzi also stood up, smiling, “I’m not that greedy. Honestly, I didn’t believe you at first, but now…”

“Now, what?”

“Dismiss your guards from the Riverside Village. If you dare stay here alone with me, then I’ll dare to be a ten-year emperor.”

“Who will ensure my safety then?”

“Fortune favors the bold. If you want to be emperor, you have to take some risks.”

Prince Donghai stared at Han Ruzi, and it was now his turn to hesitate. “If I die here…”

“Grand Tutor Cui will send troops to crush the entire village. I’m not that foolish.”

“Fine… This is an agreement then. Do you need any formal ceremony? Like swearing in the name of the Founding Emperor?”

“No need.” Han Ruzi suddenly grabbed Prince Donghai’s arm. “Regardless, you are my brother. We share the same father.”

Prince Donghai’s expression remained rigid. After some contemplation, he said, “Of course, you are my elder brother. Therefore, I must inherit the throne from you.”

Both of them simultaneously smiled. Han Ruzi released his grip, and Prince Donghai asked, “Is it settled?”

“It’s settled.”

“When will the rebellion start?”

“Wait one more day. I’ll send someone to establish contact with the militia in Huailing County in the north of the Capital.”

“Good, I’ll have the guards return immediately.”

The two men locked eyes for a moment. Prince Donghai turned and walked towards the door. Han Ruzi watched his brother’s silhouette leave the room, sighing softly. The two “brothers” still couldn’t trust each other completely.

For the rest of the day, Han Ruzi sent messengers to Huailing County and received several waves of followers. The later the newcomers arrived, the more disciplined they appeared, and the more respectful they were when meeting the “emperor.”

Han Ruzi didn’t form new units of a hundred, instead, he assigned the newcomers to the existing squads.

In the afternoon, the chief clerk, Chao Yongsi, brought unwelcome news. “There isn’t much food left in the village. With nearly seven hundred militia members now, we barely have enough for today’s meal, and there won’t be enough rice for tomorrow.”

Leading an army came with its fair share of troubles. The imperial army didn’t have to worry about such issues, as the entire Chu Dynasty supported them. However, Han Ruzi had nothing and had to brainstorm solutions.

“Bring those bandits who arrived yesterday, not too many, just a few are enough.”

Five bandits were brought in. Upon entering, they surveyed the room and noticed that the “scary woman” was absent, which eased their tension a bit. They knelt down, their weapons confiscated by the guards. Now defenseless, they dared not act recklessly, ready to answer any questions.

It turned out the bandits’ hideout was not far from the Riverside Village, just on the other side of Guaizi Lake. There were only a few old and weak guards left behind as they were a small bandit group with no significant influence. They survived by robbing merchants, kidnapping hostages, and fishing. Though experienced in brawls and fights, they had never clashed with official troops.

The boasting from their leader, Duan Wanshan, was all lies. He eagerly wanted to surrender to the government on favorable terms but had no connections to make it happen. Hearing that someone proclaimed themselves as emperor, he thought it was an opportunity to gain favor with the government. Bringing his lackeys, he believed he was just dealing with a madman. However, they ended up facing the sharpshooting “Empress”.

The bandits’ stronghold stored some grain. Not much, but enough for a few dozen people to last for half a month. For seven hundred people, it could support them for two or three days.

It turns out the lives of bandits are different from what one might imagine. There are fewer scenes of drinking and feasting, and there’s no carefree freedom in the pugilist world. Their lives aren’t much better than those of ordinary, hardworking folks.

Han Ruzi ordered Chao Hua to lead two squads by boat to the bandits’ stronghold to fetch provisions. They were to return by morning, temporarily resolving the immediate crisis.

The boats from the village had been released earlier, not drifting far, and were now towed back.

Prince Donghai dismissed the guards and remained alone in the village. To outsiders, he was the “emperor’s” close brother, and hence were not suspicious of him.

Prince Donghai stayed by Han Ruzi’s side, watching him ask questions and assign tasks. He took extra glances at the command arrows. When everything was arranged, he whispered, “Is this necessary? Tomorrow, we’re going to join forces with the mad monk Guangding’s militia in Huailing County. They are well-prepared and have everything we need.”

“Preparedness prevents peril, and it’s also to boost everyone’s confidence.”

Prince Donghai nodded with a smile. His temper had considerably softened during this visit to the village. He refrained from boasting, and there were no harsh words.

Before nightfall, another hundred people came to join. The stronghold became even more crowded, and the last bit of stored grain was used up. Most hadn’t eaten their fill, but few complained. The promising future after a successful rebellion inspired them.

Han Ruzi, accompanied by his guards, visited all the hundred-men squads, exchanged a few words, took a few bites of their food, and sometimes had them appreciate the “aura of an emperor” hanging over his head. Through Chao Yongsi’s detailed description, each person felt like they had seen a glimmer of radiance.

After walking for a while, Prince Donghai excused himself, claiming fatigue, and went back to rest. He headed straight for Zhang Yanghao’s room.

Zhang Yanghao and three noble youths occupied a thatched cottage, in an awkward position. They weren’t part of the militia, nor were they prisoners. Their status was similar to that of Marquis Guiyi and his three wives. Zhang Yanghao dared not leave, fearing retaliation from the Chai family once he showed up in the capital.

As a gambler, he had placed all his chips, including his life, on the side of the Cui family.

“You finally came. I wanted to see you earlier, but I didn’t dare approach. What’s going on? How could he raise an army?” Zhang Yanghao seemed visibly agitated upon seeing Prince Donghai.

The three noble youths were still bound, looking frightened.

Prince Donghai gestured for Zhang Yanghao to be quiet and casually took a seat on the only stool. “Untie them.”

Zhang Yanghao hesitated. “They are Chai Yun’s followers…”

“Chai Yun and Cui Teng were once the best of friends. Circumstances change, and now that Chai Yun is gone, will these three follow him to the grave?” Prince Donghai remarked.

The three shook their heads together.

Zhang Yanghao was somewhat afraid of Prince Donghai, so he reluctantly followed the order and went to untie the three. They had been bound for two days and nights, and their limbs were numb. They sat on the ground, unable to stand, continuously expressing their gratitude to Prince Donghai.

Once they ran out of flattering words, Prince Donghai spoke, “I recognize you, and you recognize me, right?”

The three immediately nodded. Qilang tried to please, “Back when Little Marquis Chai and Second Young Master Cui were on good terms, we…”

Prince Donghai waved his hand, stopping him from continuing. Now, it was his turn to speak, “The Cui family is about to wield great power. There won’t be any more challenges from this or that prince or marquis who can stand against the Cui family. You don’t have to feel torn anymore.”

The four people across from him simultaneously showed pleased smiles.

“You are very fortunate. You have the opportunity to become my subordinates, make greater contributions than your ancestors, and even achieve extraordinary feats.”

With a few words, all four were moved. The three sitting on the ground regained some strength and changed to a kneeling position. Zhang Yanghao, who had been standing, gradually knelt before Prince Donghai as well.

“I am your future. Protecting me will be your greatest achievement.”

The four bowed their heads, and Prince Donghai accepted it calmly. Then, he continued, “Tell me about the situation with Marquis Guiyi’s family. If something unexpected happens, which side will they take? And about this makeshift army. I refuse to believe that in just one or two days, Han Ruzi could make these foolish commoners wholeheartedly devote themselves to him.”

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